A man who has lived at his property for 30 years has appealed a decision to stop him building a bungalow for his wife. 

John Searle applied to build a bungalow at their home in Yaxham near Dereham. 

He wanted a four-bedroom bungalow and a detached double garage on a section of garden at Clinton Willows in Cutthroat Lane.

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He said the bungalow would assist with his wife's mobility and having a single-level property would "help her maintain her independence". 

Mr Searle said: "We both wish to be able to continue living independently for as long as possible and this new bungalow should help us."

The well-meaning plans however were met with objections from locals who believed the development would be intrusive on the area. 

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One person said: "This site is in a rural, undeveloped area well outside of any village boundary and any development would negatively impact the area."

Lauren Coates, from Wellswood on Norwich Road, said: "I can see this beautiful house and garden from my window and it matches the aesthetic of the houses in the area as it stands.

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"A bungalow would not. It is devastating to see people building over every available parcel of land in what is becoming less and less like the pretty, quiet village we chose to live in." 

Breckland Council refused the plans, saying the development would result in "an unwarranted intrusion into this rural setting" and would detrimental to the character and appearance of the surrounding area.

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Mr Searle appealed the decision, calling it a "biased" one and asked for an independent assessment by the planning inspectorate.

He argued the bungalow would use red brick and flint and the double garage would "obscure it".

"Not that it needs to be obscured because, like Clinton Willows, it is intended to be just as attractive as the building."

The appeal's outcome is yet to be decided.